Somers Beach State Park Ribbon Cutting

On May 12th, we were fortunate to have a beautiful sunny day to celebrate the transfer of the new Somers Beach State Park property from the Sliter family to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). The ribbon cutting and dedication were attended by FWP Region 1 and Helena staff, Montana State Parks and Recreation Board members, Governor Gianforte, the Sliter family, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal members, Montana State Parks Foundation, Flathead Lakers, Flathead County and State elected officials, and many community supporters.

Flathead Land Trust started working with the Sliter family over a decade ago in order to find a public access and conservation solution for their beautiful property along the north shore of Flathead Lake. The north shore is a special place and to have this property now protected with secured public access to Flathead Lake as Montana’s newest State Park is beyond exciting.

So many partners and people helped along the way, too many to mention here. But, we want to acknowledge and thank several key players including the entire Sliter family, the leadership and staff of FWP, Angie Grove and Coby Gierke of MT State Parks Foundation, Dr. Mark Lorang, Senator Mark Blasdel, Flathead Lakers and Taylor Luther Group.

And finally, thank you to the people of the Flathead Valley and Montana. In spring of 2020, we received over 250 letters showing overwhelming public support for Somers Beach to become a state park. This preliminary support is what provided the momentum needed to get approval of the proposal by the State Park and Recreation Board. In addition, we received 73 donations totaling $30,300 in response to a generous $25,000 matching challenge by the Sliter family. The resulting $55,300 combined with over $125,000 raised by the MT State Parks Foundation will help steward the new state park for many years to come.

Thank you to all who played a part and to the passion, leadership, generosity and persistence that brought Somers Beach State Park to fruition.

Click here for more info about Somers Beach State Park>>